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Remedies for down-there dilemmas

Whether you are suffering from a yeast infection or a bout of unexplained vaginal dryness, these home remedies will help relieve some of your symptoms. Do note, however, that you need to visit your doctor if your symptoms persist. Vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases are not to be taken lightly and may cause serious complications if they are not treated on time with antibiotics.

Probiotics

Your daily dose of probiotic dahi or a probiotic tablet will go a long way in keeping your vagina healthy. The beneficial bacteria in probiotics like yoghurt, cheese, buttermilk and soya milk will help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria flora down there. Please, however, do not be tempted to put yoghurt directly into the vagina!

Garlic

Some alternative therapists advocate the use of garlic cloves in controlling yeast infections. This therapy involves placing a clove of garlic in the vagina at night so that the fungicide allicin in garlic can work on the infection. However, it is best to exercise caution with this because inserting anything into your vagina when it is inflamed will be painful.

Tea tree oil

Diluted tea-tree oil is said to help alleviate yeast symptoms. A little diluted oil is applied on a tampon and inserted. Do note that while tea tree oils have been seen to be effective against Candida in lab and rat studies, there are few clinical trials that have been done on this.

Avoid douching

Studies have shown that douching washes the good bacteria away from your vagina, making you prone to yeast infections. It’s an even worse idea when you already have an infection because it spreads the infection to the cervix and into the uterus. Also avoid soap down there when washing. It will irritate and inflame your skin further. A rinse with water is enough .

Lubricants

Vaginal dryness is often a side-effect of a vaginal infection. Use water-based lubricants to moisten the vaginal lining. These moisturisers can do away with your symptoms for more than 48 hours. Drink plenty of water to keep your parts down there and the rest of your body hydrated.